While the skin protects your body from various external factors, it can also be one of the most sensitive organs, vulnerable to various allergens that cause diseases. Several viruses and bacteria can trigger skin disease symptoms such as dryness, redness, and itching. However, with proper care and treatment, you can move on with healthy skin.
Thus, you must visit a dermatologist if you experience any form of skin problem to receive proper care. This article will include the top 10 skin diseases aimed at providing you with a deeper insight into their causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What are skin diseases?
As mentioned, the skin is a large organ responsible for protecting the external areas of the body and fulfilling the following functions:
- Prevent dehydration by holding in fluids.
- Allows you to feel the sensation of temperature or pain.
- Prevents bacteria, viruses, and other infection-causing organisms from entering the body.
- Regulates the body temperature.
- Absorbs sunlight and creates Vitamin D.
A skin disease is a condition in which specific functions are hampered, causing irritation, inflammation, discoloration, and other effects.
What are the top 10 skin diseases?
Here are the details about the top 10 skin diseases:
Acne
A condition when oil settles in the pores, clogging them. It causes multiple pimples, which either erupt as whiteheads or turn blacks to become blackheads.
Your face, neck, and back are quite susceptible to acne. In most cases, excess oil production arises due to hormonal changes, especially in Adolescents.
Topical medication goes a long way in treating acne, as it unclogs the pores.
Cold Sore
Cold sores are viral infection that is highly contagious in nature. Its symptoms involve painful blisters, which are caused by variants of herpes simplex viruses.
It can appear with a tingling sensation in the area beforehand and break out in clusters around the lips. The most commonly used treatment option for this condition is antiviral medication.
Eczema
A skin condition that causes dryness and itchy patches on any part of the body. It is not contagious and can stem from allergen contact. The condition can also appear in children as a result of an overactive immune system.
One of the visual effects of eczema is blisters, which are treated with medicines that relieve itch or inflammation.
Hives
A skiing condition that leads to rashes that are itchy and appear as red-colored raised welts. It commonly results from an allergic reaction triggered by the following sources:
- Foods
- Insect bites
- Medications
- Latex
- Viral Infections
Hives are mostly temporary in nature and can be controlled by antihistamines, which help reduce the body’s response to allergies. In severe conditions, it can cause inflammation, which is commonly treated by corticosteroids.
Lupus
Lupus appears when your body’s tissues and organs trigger the immune system. It affects various parts of the body, showcasing the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to the sun
- Hair loss
- Swelling
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Sores in the nose and mouth
- Rashes all over the body
- Disc- shaped raised patches
Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition, but treatment options can help manage its symptoms.
Ringworm
A common fungal infection that can cause itchiness on the skin and appear as red, round patches. It can also protrude as a scaly and red bald spot, along with some blisters.
The condition can also affect the groin, and it thrives in humid areas.
Ringworms can be highly contagious and are treated with anti-fungal medicines.
Shingles
Shingles are a form of viral infection on the skin that is accompanied by painful blistering and rashes. It is usually caused by dormant viruses that have been reactivated later to cause sensitivity, itching, and pain.
Usually, your dermatologist will recommend treating it with antiviral medication.
Skin cancer
There are a few variations of skin cancer that cause various symptoms in our bodies. The Nonmelanoma variant appears as either basal cell carcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas, showing visible bumps on the skin around the head, face, neck, and arms.
While basal cell carcinomas exhibit round and flesh colored lesions, squamous cell carcinomas cause sore, scaly patches.
Finally, the symptoms of Melanoma are brown, dark spots, and changes in moles. Any form of skin cancer can only be treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, depending on the severity of the condition.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition where your skin loses color, resulting in white and discolored patches in any part of the body. While some experience local marks and spots, others might experience them across a large portion of their skin.
It is caused when your immune system attacks cells that produce pigments in your body, stopping the secretion of melanin. The only treatment options recommended by professionals are therapy and topical creams to ditch the symptoms.
Warts
A form of skin infection that is associated with growths that appear on hands or feet. They are typically painful on contact and are caused by contagious papillomaviruses in humans.
The surface of the Warts is composed of dried blood vessels, which look like tiny black dots. Children mostly suffer from this condition, and health professionals often remove them using peeling medicines and acids.
How are skin diseases diagnosed?
First of all, your dermatologist will look for skin disease symptoms through a visual examination. However, to get a clearer picture, they will use the tests listed below:
- Biopsy: A small portion of skin will be removed to be examined under a microscope.
- Culture: A skin sample will be examined for any bacteria, fungus, or viruses.
- Skin patch test: Allergic reactions will be tested by applying a small substance,
- Black light examination: Uses UV to analyze skin’s pigment.
- Diascopy: A skin patch will be pressed against a microscope slide to view skin color changes.
- Dermoscopy: A dermatoscope will be used to detect abnormal skin.
- Tzanck test: Fluid from a blister will be examined to check for the herpes group of viruses.
How to prevent skin diseases?
While most skin diseases are not completely preventable, you can avoid contagious conditions by following the listed steps:
- Avoid using shared utensils and personal items.
- Use a disinfectant before using shared equipment in public places or gyms.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
- Avoid touching harmful chemicals.
- Get yourself some proper sleep.
- Use sun protection whenever necessary to protect your skin from sun damage.
- Wash your hands with soap.
Visit us at Skinovate for treatment and queries about your skin condition. Our dedicated medical professionals provide excellent treatments for skin, hair, and body to ensure successful treatment for our patients.
